The Nuova Simonelli MCI is identical in constuction with the Eureka Mignon Istantaneo I own. I recently wrote a review on it:

"The first thing you notice about it is that this stepless grinder is very compact. But don't let size fool you! It heavy and soldid with a nice, shining, chromium-plated steel body and shoot and a 250g cubic plastic bean hopper (a 500g hopper is available). I got the version with a switch for manual or timer controlled grinding which is located on the side of the grinder. It's activated by a micro switch as soon as you place the portafilter underneath the shoot. Unfortunately the dial for setting the timer is on the bottom side which I find unpractical. There's a simple mod, however, by attaching a cogwheel (see picture below).

The next thing you notice is that it's very quiet. Conversation doesn't have to stop when the grinder is working.

The Eureka MCI grinds very consistently and without any static. At it's finest setting a floury powder comes out that will probably choke any espresso machine. The dial for changing coarseness setting is located on top of the casing and easily accessable. However, if you have to change between corase grinding for French Press and fine grinding for espresso, for example, it might be hard to find your settings again, because the scale has no real reference point. For me that's no problem, because I only use the grinder for espresso. The finer the grounds are, the more they tend to come out in little clumps that have to be redistributed [and dissolve quickly].

There are two negative product points: the grinder tends to make a little mess (but then again which doserless grinder doesn't?), and there's about 2g of residual grounds left in the grinding gear and shoot, which you have to remove it by tilting the grinder when you change the settings or don't need it anymore.

All in all, it's a great espresso grinder that doesn't have to hide behind commercial grinders as far as excellent built quality and grinding performance is concerned.

It's not the Vario I was hoping for, but I'm highly satisfied with it."

***"This drink of the Satan is so delicious that it would be a shame to leave it to the infidels." (Pope Clement VIII on coffee, when he was urged to ban the beverage)

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